Is CRPS caused by poor mental health?

The myth of CRPS being caused by poor mental health

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There's a common assumption that CRPS may be triggered by anxiety or depression.

However, this idea largely stems from the condition's unpredictable nature and the fact that CRPS patients often exhibit heightened levels of anxiety and depression. Yet, research tells us a different story.

• Large Studies: Two of the largest studies exploring psychological risk factors for CRPS found no evidence to support the claim that anxiety or depression predisposes individuals to CRPS.
• Comparison Study: One significant population-based case-control study found no difference in psychological variables between those who developed CRPS after trauma and those who did not.
• Future-Oriented Study: Another study including almost 600 patients with a single fracture showed that none of the psychological factors predicted the development of CRPS.

The Reality: CRPS Can Lead to Anxiety and Depression

While psychological factors may not cause CRPS, living with the condition can often leads to serious emotional distress. Most studies provide compelling evidence that CRPS patients are more anxious and depressed than healthy controls (although CRPS patients are not more anxious or depressed than people with other types of chronic pain).

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The Complexity: Emotional State Can Affect CRPS Symptoms

Once a person has CRPS, their emotional state can indeed influence the condition's symptoms. Anxiety and stress tend to exacerbate CRPS symptoms, adding another layer of complexity to its management.

It's a cyclic relationship: CRPS can cause emotional distress, and emotional distress can in turn make CRPS symptoms worse.

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What Does This Mean for Patients and Families?

• Don't Blame Yourself: If you or a family member has CRPS, know that it's not caused by psychological factors. You're not to blame.
  

• Seek Comprehensive Care: Treatment should not just focus on physical symptoms; emotional well-being is also crucial. Consider speaking to mental health professionals alongside your medical treatment.
  

• Be Mindful of Emotional Triggers: Being aware that stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms can help in managing CRPS more effectively. Stress management techniques may be a helpful component of your self-care program.
  

“Seeing the psychologist has helped a lot. That’s made a huge difference. I guess I really needed someone to talk to and sort of guide me through…"

Conclusion

The relationship between CRPS, anxiety, and depression is complex but it's clear that psychological factors are not the root cause of CRPS.

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